Abstract: A transaction card includes a substrate and a thermochromic feature. The substrate defines a first surface and includes an account identifier linking the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The thermochromic feature portrays a character on a portion of the first surface. The thermochromic feature is configured to change between a first state and a second state when an actual temperature of the thermochromic feature reaches an activation temperature of the thermochromic feature. In the first state, the thermochromic feature appears as a first color. In the second state, the thermochromic feature presents at least one of a second color and a graphic not otherwise visible when the thermochromic feature is in the first state. Stored-value cards, combinations, methods of providing a transaction card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A credit facility for controlling financial transactions is arranged with the ability of users to establish self-imposed limits on a category by category basis. The processing system provides messages and other information to the user, both on-demand and at the point of sale, based upon the category of the transaction and the limit set for that category. In one embodiment, both the user and, if desired, third parties, can obtain or be notified, of account balances on a category by category basis. Also, the main user can assign category limits, or prohibitions, on subusers of the same account. In one embodiment, information pertaining to a specific transaction is communicated to a third party.

Abstract: An identification document is provided comprising a printable layer, a computer readable data storage element, and a computer readable calibration element. The computer readable data storage element is formed on the printable layer and comprises a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel has one of a predetermined plurality of colors. The computer readable calibration element is formed on the printable layer and comprises a plurality of pixels and includes information enabling a determination of the pixel size in the computer readable data storage element and also a determination of at least a portion of the predetermined plurality of colors.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a laser source including a submount, an electrode portion formed on the submount, and a semiconductor laser fixed to the electrode portion by means of an adhesive portion, capable of improving the position accuracy of a laser beam emission portion of the semiconductor laser in the height direction. The electrode portion including an electrode for an active region, an electrode for a phase adjustment region, and an electrode for a DBR region is formed on the submount. A plurality of stopper portions also are formed on the submount. The semiconductor laser is fixed to the electrode portion (the electrode for an active region, electrode for a phase adjustment region, and electrode for a DBR region) by means of solder as an adhesive while being in contact with the stopper portions.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a handheld writing device and a related data entry system. In particular, a digital electronic clipboard is used to mount pages or forms utilized in forms processing applications, such as inventory tracking. A stylus having a writing tip at one end of the stylus and a bar code scanning mechanism at another end of the stylus is used to enter data on the pages or forms and scan bar codes appearing on the pages or forms themselves, or on a separate item to be associated with the form. The system detects whether bar code data or stylus position data is being generated and causes its CPU to responsively process entered data. In an alternative embodiment, the system also permits generation of only one of stylus position data and bar code data at any given time.